Sports News of Saturday, 16 November 2013

Source: footy-ghana.com

Kevin defends commitment to Ghana

It is turning into a good time for Kwesi Appiah's future plans for the Black Stars with Kevin-Prince Boateng publicly declaring his commitment to the national team.

Boateng is with the squad in Istanbul preparing for Tuesday's World Cup play-off against Egypt as he prepares to make his first appearance in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Egypt.

His availability has given the Black Stars coach a sizeable boost.

Though the attacker missed Ghana's last two important qualifiers - against Zambia and Egypt - since his return to the team in September, Boateng has had to deal with criticism from fans that he has deliberately stayed away from those games.

“It is definitely not the case,” Boateng told Allsports.com.gh in an interview.

“I am always happy when I have to play for the Black Stars that is why I am here because I am a part of the team and the coach, the president and the players know I am always proud to be here.

“Of course it is a bad situation because every time there is a national team game I have a problem. Of course I can’t come if I am injured. I [wont to be] 100 per cent, I [wont to be] able to give everything when I come to play for Ghana.”

For Boateng who could feature against in Cairo, he expects the Black Stars triumph and make it a third consecutive World Cup appearance.

“In the first game we were so strong even without me and we won 6-1 so we just have to go there and do same and we will qualify for the world cup. Egypt was always a very strong team. It us shows we are stronger than them that is why we won 6-1 and that is why we will go to the world cup”, he said.